Background and Context Sheets

Using maps, charts, and primary sources, these context sheets provide extensive and detailed information for students considering the case study A Wehrmacht Battalion and Its Orders, Fall 1941 (PDF). Information provided includes background about the military and the invasion of the Soviet Union as well as specific details about the 691st Battalion in Belarus in 1941.

Download the handouts:

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• The German Military and Hitler (PDF)

• Codes of Conduct in the German Military (PDF)

• Planning the Invasion of the Soviet Union (PDF)

• Racial Ideology in Practice in the Soviet Union (PDF)

• Belarus (PDF)

• Case Study: Army Group Center (Rear) (PDF)

• Einsatzgruppe B in Eastern Belarus (PDF)

• Case Study: 691st Regiment in October 1941 (PDF)

• Case Study: Army Group Center (Rear) in October 1941 (PDF)

• 339th Infantry Division Table of Organization and Equipment (PDF)